League of Michigan Bicyclists Shoreline Tours
The League of Michigan Bicyclists, an advocacy group that works for cyclists' rights, holds rides throughout the state from March through November, but it organizes four Shoreline Bicycle Tours each summer. The tours range from weekend family rides for beginners to weeklong tours with full support. In 2010, the rides include a two-day "pedal and paddle" tour where you bike in the morning and kayak or canoe in the afternoon, a week of exploring the Upper Peninsula, a three-day trip through northeast Michigan near Lake Huron or a three- or seven-day tour of the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Proceeds from all LMB tours go to helping promote bicyclists' rights and safety.
League of Michigan Bicyclists Shoreline Tours
416 S. Cedar St. - Suite A
Lansing, MI 48912
517-334-9100
lmb.org/index.php/events/lmb-bicycle-tours.html
Cycle America Thundering Falls Tour
Cycle America is a national organization that offers a variety of fully supported trips throughout the country. Its Thundering Falls tour is a weeklong journey that takes riders across the state of Michigan, into Canada and on to Niagara Falls. Held in August in 2010, the tour begins on the shores of Lake Michigan, travels through the old Bavarian village of Frankenmuth, continues through Grand Rapids, Lansing and Flint, and then traverses lower Ontario, where you'll cycle the shoreline of Lake Erie. The trip ends at the dramatic setting of Niagara Falls in Port Dover, where you can relax on sandy beaches after traveling an average of 85 miles per day. Cycle America takes care of carrying all your luggage, arranging for tent camping along the way, providing breakfast and dinner, and helping out with any mechanical problems you may encounter.
Cycle America
P.O. Box 485
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
507-263-2665
cycleamerica.com/cc7thunder.htm
Apple Cider Century Tour
The Apple Cider Century is an annual bicycle tour held in the fall that leads you through the orchards, forests and wine country around Three Oaks, Michigan, near the shores of Lake Michigan. Riders can choose to complete the 100-mile ride that makes up the "century," but there are also 15-, 25-, 37-, 50-, 62- or 75-mile trips with flat or hilly options available. The Apple Cider Century has been going on since 1974 and attracts thousands of cyclists every year. Many activities go on before, during and after the ride, which is usually held on a Sunday, and all of the proceeds from the event go to the tour, cyclist associations and other nonprofits.
Apple Cider Century Tour
P.O. Box 366
Three Oaks, MI 49128
888-877-2068
applecidercentury.com
